Abstract
Some properties of an Enterobacter sp. isolated from the roots of maize are described. Isolation was carried out using the semisolid enrichment culture technique and subsequent plating, both on nitrogen free biotin medium. Morphological, biochemical and phylogenetic characterization using the MicroSeqTM 16S rDNA technique were employed in identification of isolate, which was revealed to be closest matched at 99.4% with Enterobacter asburiae. The isolate possessed properties of plant growth promoting bacteria. Thus, it produced indole-3-acetic, plant polymer hydrolyzing enzymes, pectinase and cellulase as well as ammonia in vitro. The isolate grew well in the presence of both 3% NaCl and 10 μg of streptomycin. In plate bioassays, isolate promoted the germination of both maize and rice seeds as well as root and lateral root growth resulting in weight increases of seedlings over their controls. Experiments to quantify ability of isolate to promote plant growth was performed using hydroponics solutions and as appropriate, an inoculum of the isolate. Pot experiments were also employed. Results from these studies showed that isolate enhanced nitrogen accumulation and significantly (p < 0.05), improved the growth of maze seedlings over controls. Isolate has potential for utilizetion as inocula for sustainable production of cereals.
Highlights
Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) achieve their effect by diverse mechanisms as recently reviewed by Lugtenberg and Kamilova [1]
The supply of nutrients such as nitrogen is improved through various mechanisms of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), while phosphate and potassium are made available through solubilization of their insoluble forms, often abundant in the soil
Results obtained during this study show that Enterobacter sp.-NCOO1927-MR5 has abilities to promote growth of maize
Summary
Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) achieve their effect by diverse mechanisms as recently reviewed by Lugtenberg and Kamilova [1]. Other mechanisms employed to promote plant growth include plant growth regulating effects (phytohormones), both positive and negative, induced systemic resistance to microbial pathogens and siderophore production aiding plant nutrition by chelation. These organisms have been reported to enhance plant growth through miscellaneous beneficial effects such as osmotic adjustment, stomatal regulation and modification of root morphology, which may lead to enhanced uptake of minerals and alteration of nitrogen accumulation and metabolism [1]. Biofertilizer technologies for the increased agricultural production of legumes based on these research findings are today considered essential ingredients for sustainable agriculture. According to Charpentier and Oldroyd [3], nitrogen fixing cereals would be the breakthrough necessary to underpin sustainable food production for 9 billion people, the projected population of the world by 2050
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